Iceland – A Wander Up To the Eruption Site of Eyjafjallajökull

Quite a lot of people remember the famous ash clouds that grounded aircraft in 2010. Even the name of the eruption site in Iceland became widely known as the volcano that cannot be pronounced. Believe me I have had many Icelandic people say it to me slowly here but alas I still cannot say it properly.

Well, today was a great day for me, I had the opportunity to hike up to the point of the initial eruption. A unique experience to see the surrounding from on high and at source from a very very young eruption.

Brisk was the pace as we made our way up onto wild landscape. It wasn’t long at all before the glaciers appeared before us. Seeing the settled ash so close up and settled on the glaciers was a strange sight. It leads you on to higher things.

Climb further upwards and down the valleys beside you can be seen the brand new lava flows. Steam rising off them showing that even though a year old the heat of the earth is showing itself. Imagine the heat at the time?!

And there it was, the initual eruption site. Smokey, new and lava filled.

What a great spot for lunch! Even up here you did not have to worry about a cold seat, the lava filled ground is full of spots where the heat still fills the ground. To sit and stare at brand new volcanoes, brand new lava fields and the power of it all was very much something that I will never forget.

The hike up was a feast on the eyes, views that kept me in awe. Variety in abundance and a spectacular unique natural landscape too feast the mind and eyes on at the top. Iceland has truly taken a place in my heart and I have lots more to tell.

I want to show you sights from this week whilst I have been on the 60 km of the Laugavagur Trail. A magnificent feast for the eyes, feet and mind. Had plenty of wow moments…

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Founder of BaldHiker.com and avid hiker, climber and trekker. Never liking to sit still and always seeking new adventures around the world. Sharing personal views here and tweeting live via @paul_steele